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Thursday, December 25, 2014

Twas the night on Christmas Day and all through the house... Not a creature was stirring... Oh Yay, Oh Yay!!! How many of you have that same feeling tonight? Well, I thought that I had better come over here before the day is completely gone and wish all of you a Very, Merry, Christmas! Now, to grab my Tums and finally get that nap that I wanted six hours ago... Haha.

Sunday, December 7, 2014

When you go for a weekend trip to catch big trout, you must pick the right location. And last weekend took me to such a place. Surrounded by bright, red cliffs in a high sagebrush desert, the Green River in Utah has been my nemesis ever since I first fished it several years ago. I've fought tooth and nail to net the few trout I get each time out. So, when a couple of buddies invited me out to fish it, I was very excited to get some inside scoop from those that fish it consistently.

The first day, we waded. Mostly rainbows, with a few browns to the net. A good start. Even had a double with two of us with a fish on... and later almost had a triple. Way fun!

The second day was floating through the B section of the Green. The A section takes you from the Flaming Gorge Dam to the Little Hole takeout. Then, there is the B section from Little Hole and ends at Browns Park. And C takes you down to Swallow Canyon. B was on the agenda and I was so overly excited to finally see a lot more of the river that I couldn't get to by foot.

The best part about the float was fishing with two guys who know this river. It was such a learning experience. We were let off the boat to wade about 5 or 6 times along the 7 to 8 mi stretch of river. And those spots produced big time.

Along the way, we had to float through the Red Creek Rapids. Oh... I was like, so glad that I am with an experienced guide! And as we went through the rapids and manuevering this way and that, I wasn't even nervous. Sure, I had on my life jacket on, but the fact that we slid through almost perfectly without a rock hitting the bottom or even getting close to boulders was truly amazing. I was impressed. And it was better than any log ride at Disneyland! Footnote: You can ask the guide to let you out of the boat to walk the trail past the rapids and then get back in. That's what Howard would do...

But, most of the float was calm waters. Simply breathtaking red cliffs and green water that it is famous for.

Yes, I finally fell in love with the Green River.

And near the end of the journey, I came across the "boss" brown. He was hiding in the "jungle".

Thanks to my buddies, Ryan and David for an amazing two days on the water.

Thursday, November 27, 2014

Thanksgiving is a day when many Americans gather together with family for an afternoon of food and football, but just how far do people travel to spend turkey day at Grandma's house? The AAA estimated that 42.2 million Americans traveled more than 50 miles over Thanksgiving weekend last year. Here are some fun factoids...errr...giblets for you.1. The National Turkey Federation estimated that 46 million turkeys—one fifth of the annual total of 235 million consumed in the United States in 2007—were eaten at Thanksgiving.2. Cranberry production in the U.S. is expected to reach 750 million pounds in 2011. Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Oregon and Washington are the top cranberry growing states.

3. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest pumpkin pie ever baked weighed 2,020 pounds and measured just over 12 feet long. It was baked on October 8, 2005 by the New Bremen Giant Pumpkin Growers in Ohio, and included 900 pounds of pumpkin, 62 gallons of evaporated milk, 155 dozen eggs, 300 pounds of sugar, 3.5 pounds of salt, 7 pounds of cinnamon, 2 pounds of pumpkin spice and 250 pounds of crust.4. The sweet potato is most plentifully produced in North Carolina, which grew 972 million pounds of the popular Thanksgiving side dish vegetable in 2010. Other sweet potato powerhouses included California and Mississippi, and the top producing states together generated over 2.4 billion pounds of the tubers.

5. Though many competing claims exist, the most familiar story of the first Thanksgiving took place in Plymouth Colony, in present-day Massachusetts, in 1621. Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared a harvest feast, acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. The first Thanksgiving celebration lasted three daysMore than 200 years later, President Abraham Lincoln declared the final Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving. Congress finally made Thanksgiving Day an official national holiday in 1941.6. The top five most popular ways to serve leftover Thanksgiving turkey are: sandwiches, soups or stews, salads, casseroles, and stir-fry.7. Only tom turkeys gobble. Hen turkeys make a clucking noise. A large group of turkeys is called a flock.

8. Several Thanksgiving day parades are broadcast on television. These parades are organized by big stores in several American cities. The parade organized by the Macy's store in New York is the biggest. Giant balloons 200 meters high float above the street. The balloons are in the shape of creatures from popular cartoons and television programs. People on the ground hold heavy ropes so the balloons do not fly away. Hey...Look! It's Mr. Potato Head!!

Stemming from traditions seen in Europe, the first parade was put on by Macy’s employees who were first-generation immigrants wanting to have festivals similar to the ones their families experienced growing up in Europe.

9. Thanksgiving also is a time when Americans share what they have with those who do not have much. Churches and other groups provide free meals for old people, the homeless, and the poor. Many Americans give turkeys or other food to these groups. Some spend part of the day helping to prepare and serve the meals. Several families in my neighborhood go downtown in the morning to the homeless shelter. It is a great experience to volunteer and share time with those that are so truly appreciative.

10. Did you know that the River Damsel started her blog on November 24, 2010? Yes, my friends, the blog has done it's best to bring you some type of reading enjoyment these past 4 years. This will be the 349th post. There have been 230,000 pageviews on those posts, along with 3,800 comments. I know that it wouldn't have been as successful if it wasn't for my wonderful readers and commentors. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

I have thouroughly enjoyed my time with my fellow bloggers. Your stories and postings are often inspirational to me. The friendships made are definitely a bonus... I love meeting my fellow bloggers in person and to be able to fish in different parts of the country from time to time. = ) It has been a great experience.

It's been another great year. A very memorable one. Some amazing fly fishing trips to write about. A very lucky girl am I. The writing has slowed down a bit this past year. But, when life gives you a little health hiccup to fight, all you can do is put one foot in front of the other and do your best. Funny, how fishing can make most of the aches and pains subside for a little while. Maybe that is why I haven't put that fly rod away yet... Ha. It soothes the body, the soul, the mind. Be good and enjoy your time with family and friends during the upcoming holidays. Give out as many hugs as you can. For this life is about people in your life, not the material things one gains. Be grateful for all that you have. I love you all. Happy Thanksgiving!! RD

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Yes, I'm still here. It seems that I write less and less these days. Or maybe it is the fact that I am fishing more and more. Regardless, it is getting to be winter around here and that calls for one last weekend trip. Somewhere warmer. Somewhere close, but still far enough away. So, let's see where I am at in my planning.

First, it was to the internet. You need to check your resources! What is fishing well in the early winter season? I first go to the Utah Division of Wildlife. It pinpoints the fishing hotspots in my home state. And a pretty good report on how the fishing is doing in each location. Then, there is Facebook. There are always others out there on the beaten path before you. Yes, truth be told, I am not always fishing. = ) And I might not be as reliable as Sacagawea. Sometimes, other's knowledge and direction can help!

Lewis, Clarke, and Saci.

So, with my research in hand, I write down three possible places for my cold weather...err, wishing it was summer destination. No, I can't afford to go to the Bahamas right now. So, I figure that I can drive 3-5 hours at the most. Off to Mapquest. I need to check out my three possible destinations. Miles, fuel cost and driving hours will be evaluated. Will it be worth going to Plan B over Plan C and driving that extra hour? Which roads are the safest, quickest, and best for fuel economy? (I personally don't like two lane highways)

Or one lane... Yeah, I don't think so...

Then, we need to look at lodging, since camping is out in 32 degree temps. Troutrageous Mike came up with an idea today... But, yeah, a little too brisk this time of year to be hauling trailers of any sort... even a mini.

I am one to find the dirt cheap motel that looks somewhat safe. Haha. So, I head on over to the internet again or go to my resource of friends who have been there before. I have done pretty well in this category. I can honestly say that I have been happy with my choices until the last trip. Well, so I'm batting .925... Sometimes cheap isn't better as they say. Lol.

And always have a back up plan with another motel phone number to call in case you get to your destination and you change your mind about staying there. = ) I've changed my mind before... Well, I am a woman! Ha.

Next, the weather report. You didn't think that I would miss that little piece of information when heading out on a fishing trip, did you? Weather is a crucial part of this early winter trip. Don't want to run into any icy roads if I can help it. So, I add the forecast to my columns of info in front of me.

And finally... a call to the local fly shops to see what their fishing and weather forecast really is. Hopefully, this helps in the final decision. Get dialed in. And a report on what the fish are eating is also important, as you might be able to whip up a few flies to take on the trip. Get their store hours and pay a visit too, as they might have a pattern or two that are working that you don't have.

So, I have pretty much made my decision... Now, to round up the troops and coordinate. I'm so glad that my fishing buddies like to travel as much as me... The last trip of the year is looking pretty good. Got my handwarmers and my "technical clothing" to keep out the cold. Yeah, too bad Mexico was scratched off the list...

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

The journey would continue to catch the ever elusive brown trout. Funny, I catch more browns than any other species. But, for some reason, they were not to be found on this trip. Ernie and his son Squiggy would meet up with me on the water for Days 4 and 5. I have had the privilege of fishing with them for a few years now. We have fished all over Yellowstone National Park, Montana and Idaho. Ernie and Julie have their digs next to Henry's Lake, ID., so Ernie decided that we should take advantage of some fine cuthroat fishing in the lake. But, every good fisherman knows that you should have a good breakfast before heading out because it might be awhile before you eat again. And a boat full of chips, cookies, and pastries isn't going to give you the proper nutrition for the day... haha.

Ernie wanted to make everyone "Hole in Ones". I had no clue what he was talking about. (My family seemed to know what they were when I got home...) Anyway, I had a little cooking class from Master Chef, Ernie. I embellished them a bit, making it "a la French Toast" around the egg. And it was YUMMY!!! Gotta have maple syrup... right?

And we were off! In search of a Cuthroat, a Brookie, or a Rainbow trout...

And by the end of the day, it was time to enjoy the sunset and the stillness in the air...

The final day would bring us to more stillwater action in another lake.

Squiggy showed us how to get it done.

And his dad, Ernie follows suit...

The pressure is on as I watch these guys slam it.

We all got into fish and enjoyed a great day on the water.

Another great trip in the books. A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that made it happen!

Monday, October 20, 2014

What's better than a five day fishing trip through Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana? Not much. At least in my book. Fly fishing dreams come true on these kind of adventures! I took a bit of a detour going through Wyoming to get to Island Park, Idaho and then Montana... but, you only live once! So, it began...

It was an amazing first day, with a lot of pink stripes in the net. Enough to have me looking up hotel numbers to stay an extra day. Which I did. The fishing was red hot. And I was a happy damsel. = )

Rainbows were everywhere... = )

And Marley Moose even told me that I had to come back. Can't you tell? Haha.

Day 2 started much like day before. More rainbows hitting on anything I would throw out... You can't ask for more than that.

It was a day that I wanted to pinch myself. I don't have that many days like these first two of the trip. But, it was time to move on. More adventures and new scenery is good for the soul.

It was one of the most spectacular drives that late afternoon that I have ever had. Bright and bold fall colors.

The Salt River

The South Fork of the Snake River

So, a tired damsel found her way to Island Park, ID. I had a nice reunion with some close friends and when I woke up the next morning, the cold front had moved in. Oh yay!!! It was time to hit the Madison River.

Well, you know that a few snowflakes aren't going to stop me from fishing. Right? It was bitter cold, I won't lie. I don't know why I felt the chill through my bones this time. Maybe because it was the first cold day after a nice summer. It sure made for a beautiful picture though... I love Montana!!

As temps and barometer changed, so did the bite of my little friends. So, after a few in the net, I called it a day. Yup, more rainbows!

It was time to head back to Island Park and get ready to do some lake fishing for the next few days. (Something I never do, so it was kind of a treat) Part 2 is next up. There's just not enough room for a 5-day report! = )

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Riffles

Welcome to The River Damsel's blogsite! As an avid Flyfisher, I have come to realize that there is more adventure in the "riffles" of the river as it is in life. If you listen and watch the river, you will understand more about the complexity of what lies beneath. It is truly an ongoing adventure...a beautiful journey and a very gratifying one.

About Me

The River Damsel hails from Tustin, CA. and now resides in Salt Lake City, UT. I can attest that it is totally possible to do anything you want to do! LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST! I decided to make some changes in my life a few years back. It was when I picked up a flyrod, that I knew that I was filling a void in my life! I was "hooked"! The outdoors is where I find my inner peace away from the busy daily life...It gives me that time of solitude, meditation, and enjoyment. I love the continued learning about the river and the many inhabitants that live in it and around it. My journey has taught me about nature, people, and mostly ME! Thanks to those special friends that have shared their knowledge and talents with me so that I could enjoy the adventure even more! XO!